Asahi Shimbun Receives Top Award for Gender Equality Initiatives in Osaka

Asahi Shimbun's Achievement in Promoting Gender Equality

On February 4, at a ceremony held in Osaka, Asahi Shimbun was awarded the prestigious title of "Top Company for Women’s Activities" in the large enterprise category by the city mayor. This groundbreaking recognition marks the first time a media company has received such an honor.

Reiko Horikoshi, General Manager of Asahi's Osaka branch, received the award from Deputy Mayor Tadaaki Nishiyama, who praised the company's commitment to gender equality and expressed optimism for future initiatives. The mayor emphasized the company's significant efforts in fostering an environment where both men and women can thrive professionally.

Background of the Osaka Women's Initiatives

Osaka City has implemented the "Leading Company for Women's Activities" certification system to acknowledge enterprises that demonstrate a solid commitment to creating a workplace where employees can flourish. Companies are assessed based on criteria such as the percentage of women in management positions, work-life balance support measures, and initiatives to promote paternal leave among male employees. For the 2025 awards, ten companies were recognized, with Asahi Shimbun standing out as the best in its category.

Gender Equality Measures Initiated by Asahi Shimbun

Key factors contributing to Asahi Shimbun's award included its dedication to gender equality. The company has established a declaration that mandates both genders be represented equally at events, ensuring that neither gender comprises less than 40% of interview subjects or symposium speakers. Additionally, they have set ambitious goals to double the proportion of female managers and regularly publish metrics assessing their progress.

The initiative titled "No Meeting Without Women" underscores their commitment to increasing female representation in decision-making roles, even in departments traditionally dominated by male employees. Asahi Shimbun also provides transparent insights, publishing comparative income data and departmental gender ratios to maintain accountability.

Job Shadowing for Young Employees

Another noteworthy initiative is the Job Shadowing program. This allows younger employees to accompany and learn from senior management for 50-100 hours, promoting their career development and contributing to a shift in management's mindset regarding gender diversity. One notable outcome of this program was the appointment of Asahi's first female representative in Osaka, illustrating the positive impact of these initiatives on the company's culture.

Support for Work-Life Balance

To further support employees balancing work and family, Asahi Shimbun has introduced a unique "Childcare Accompaniment Leave." This allows employees to take leave for their children’s health appointments or school events. The policy has been extended to cover children up to their middle school graduation. They have also introduced a "Bone Marrow Donor Leave" and flexible working arrangements for employees focusing on caregiving, secondary jobs, or self-development, reflecting the company's dedication to diverse work styles.

At the award ceremony, Deputy Mayor Nishiyama commended Asahi Shimbun's proactive efforts in enabling women to thrive in the workplace. He acknowledged their impressive achievements in fostering a culture that supports work-life balance and encourages male participation in caregiving and community activities.

Following the award, Reiko Horikoshi expressed her pride in the company's achievements. "We are thrilled to be recognized for our continuous efforts in gender equality. This esteemed award motivates us to further advance our unique initiatives as a media company," she stated.

The Ongoing Commitment to Gender Equality

In April 2020, Asahi Shimbun established a gender equality declaration that emphasizes diversity in reporting and business practices. Their commitments include increasing the female representation of newsworthy individuals featured in their daily publications and ensuring substantive participation of women in important decision-making roles. They have set specific goals, including the representation of women in management and increased uptake of paternal leave by male staff.

As an organization, Asahi Shimbun is dedicated to gender-focused reporting and regularly engages in discussions to review and enhance its efforts. In 2024, the company was further recognized with an excellence award in the Tokyo Women's Empowerment Promotion program, marking another landmark achievement.